1997 FORD F250 brake

138
[TO01000(FM)01/96]
Starting your vehicle
%*
[TO01100(FM)01/96]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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[TO01200(FM)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
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[TO01300(FM)01/96]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
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[TO01400(F )01/96]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
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[TO01600(FM)01/96]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[TO01700(F )01/96]
3.If you have an automatic transmission,
make sure that the gearshift lever is in P
(Park) and the parking brake is set before
you turn the key.
*
[TO01900(F )01/96]
4.If you have a manual transmission,make
sure that the parking brake is fully set, push
the clutch pedal to the floor, and put the
gearshift into Neutral before you turn the
key. (Remember, the starter will operate only
if the clutch pedal is pushed in all the way).
%*
[TO02000(F )01/96]
Testing the Warning Lights
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[TO02100(F )02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
[TO02200(F )04/96]
If your Brake Warning Light does light up with
the key in the ON position, you may not have
fully released the parking brake or the brake
fluid may be low.
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140 %
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[TO03400(FM)01/96]
For a warm engine:
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[TO03500(FM)01/96]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
*
[TO03600(FM)01/96]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
*
[TO03700(FM)01/96]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
%*
[TO03800(FM)05/96]
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with a
brake-shift interlock feature. This
feature prevents you from shifting
from P (Park) unless you have the
brake pedal depressed. (The ignition
must be in the ON position.) If you
cannot shift from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
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[TO03900(FM)05/96]
1. Apply the parking brake.
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[TO04000(FM)05/96]
2. Remove the key.
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[TO04100(F )05/96]
3. Insert the key and rotate it one position
clockwise (ignition in the OFF position).
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[TO04200(FM)05/96]
4. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral). (If the vehicle is shifted back to P
[Park], you must repeat the previous steps.)
*
[TO04300(FM)05/96]
5. Start the vehicle.
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141
*
[TO04400(FM)05/96]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledRoadside Emergenciesin
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
*
[TO04500(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
[TO04600(FM)04/96]
For cold or warm engines:
*
[TO04700(FM)01/96]
If the engine still does not start after two
attempts:
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[TO04800(FM)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[TO04900(FM)01/96]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
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[TO05000(FM)01/96]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
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[TO05100(FM)01/96]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
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[TO05200(FM)03/96]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up.
*
[TO05300(FM)05/96]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchin the index.
*
[TO05500(F )01/96]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs higher than when it's
warmed up. These faster engine speeds will
make your vehicle move slightly faster than its
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Update:Tue May 28 08:44:45 1996
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145
Driving
*
[GF00200(F )03/96]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary
depending on which type of transmission your
vehicle has.
[GF00300(F )04/96]
q
an Electronic 4-speed Automatic Transmission
(E4OD)
*
[GF00400(F )03/96]
q
a manual transmission
*
[GF00450(F )03/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
Powertrain Control Module that limits engine
and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to
promote durability.
%
*
[GF00500(FM)05/96]
Brakes
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[GF00850(FM)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
[GF00900(F )04/96]
F-250/350
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[GF00950(F )01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic inspection
for pad wear.
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[GF01050(F )03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[GF01100(F )03/96]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment occurs when the brakes
are applied while ªbacking up.º If normal
operation does not include much backing, adjust
the brakes when they seem ªlow,º using the
procedure underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLowºin this chapter.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

146 [GF01200(F )04/96]Rear Disc Brakes (F-Super Duty and
F-Series Stripped Chassis Only)
[GF01300(FM)04/96]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of the caliper slide rails and
inspection for pad wear.
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[GF01350(FM)01/96]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
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[GF01400(F )03/96]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear drum brakes. These two circuits are
supplied by a common hydraulic brake fluid
reservoir, with a fluid level sensor.
*
[GF01500(FM)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[GF01550(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
%*
[GF01700(F )01/96]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
[GF01800(F )04/96]
Except for F-Super Duty and F-Series
Commercial and Motorhome Stripped Chassis,
F-Series Light Trucks are equipped with a Rear
Antilock Brake System. This system prevents at
least one and often both rear wheels from
locking up when the brakes are applied in a
panic stop, for example.
*
[GF01900(F )01/96]
Even with the Anti-lock Brake System, you
should be careful when braking. Front brake
lock up on any surface, even on smooth
pavement causes loss of steering control. Heavy
braking on roads with loose surfaces such as
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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147
snow or gravel, or severe pavement irregularities
could also cause you to lose steering control of
your vehicle.
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[GF01950(F )03/96]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning
light remains on or comes on while
driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
*
[GF02000(F )03/96]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock
system, and the brake warning light is
not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled
but normal brake function remains
operational.
[GF02950(F )04/96]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº (F-250/350 Only)
%*
[GF03000(F )03/96]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the
rear drum brakes need adjustment. To do this,
drive the vehicle in reverse at 5 mph (8 km/h)
on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this
procedure four or five times.
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[GF03050(FM)01/96]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
[GF03100(FM)04/96]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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148
*
[GF03150(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring
rates and/or vehicle ride height may
adversely affect vehicle stopping ability.
*
[GF03200(F )03/96]
If Brakes Pull
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[GF03250(F )03/96]
q
Check tire pressure.
*
[GF03300(F )03/96]
q
Perform the self-adjustment procedure
described underIf Brakes Do Not Grip Well or
Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[GF03350(F )03/96]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles
(800 km), make 10 moderately fast stops from
40 mph (65 km/h) and then perform the
self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly
seat new brake linings and pads.
%*
[GF03400(FM)01/96]
Stopping Distances
*
[GF03450(FM)01/96]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
%*
[GF03500(FM)01/96]
Applying the Brakes
*
[GF03550(FM)01/96]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[GF03600(FM)01/96]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. This will increase your vehicle's stopping
distance and may also cause brake damage.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

149
*
[GF03650(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply
your brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
%
*
[GF03750(FM)01/96]
Using the Parking Brake
*
[GF03800(F )03/96]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
*
[GF03850(F )01/96]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
service brake and/or clutch pedals. To set the
parking brake while parking your vehicle, press
the brake pedal with your right foot and hold it
while you push the parking brake pedal down
firmly and fully with your left foot.
[GF04000(FM)04/96]
one third page art:0020893-A
Parking Brake
*
[GF04200(F )03/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com